Kharkiv is located in eastern Ukraine, close to the border with Russia, and is therefore repeatedly the target of attacks.

According to authorities, massive Russian airstrikes on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv overnight and this morning resulted in several casualties. Mayor Ihor Terekhov wrote on Telegram that three people were killed in the attacks, including on residential buildings. 21 people were injured, including an infant and a 14-year-old girl.

According to the mayor, 48 drones, two rockets, and four glide bombs struck various locations in the country's second-largest city. Several fires broke out as a result of the attacks, which continued into the early morning.

"Kharkiv is currently experiencing the most severe attack since the beginning of the war. At least 40 explosions have been heard in the city in the last hour and a half," Terekhov said. 18 apartment blocks and 13 private homes were damaged. Images showed severe destruction to the buildings, with many apartments uninhabitable.

Russia has been waging a destructive war of aggression against Ukraine for more than three years.